TWI569605B - JBOD apparatus having BMC module and controlling method of the JBOD apparatus - Google Patents

Description

JBOD device with BMC module and control method thereof

The present invention relates to a JBOD device, and more particularly to a JBOD device having a BMC module.

The number of ports used to connect hard disks on a host (such as a personal computer or a server) is quite limited, typically only about 10 inches, so the host can only connect to a limited number of hard disks. In this case, there will be a phenomenon that the number of hard disks that can be connected cannot satisfy the user's needs.

Just a Bunch Of Disks (JBOD) devices are equipped with more hard disk ports (usually about 24 inches), which can be used to connect a large number of multiple hard disks. Therefore, when the user has a huge demand for hard disk use, the host is usually connected to the JBOD device through a cable, thereby expanding the connection of the extra hard disk through the JBOD device.

It is worth mentioning that multiple JBOD devices can also be connected to each other to further increase the number of hard disks that can be used. For example, if a JBOD device has 24 hard disk ports, when five JBOD devices are connected in series, 120 hard disks can be connected at the same time, which is considerable.

Generally, the JBOD device connects a plurality of hard disks through an internal hard disk expansion control unit (expander), and simultaneously detects information of the JBOD device and the plurality of hard disks, and generates corresponding detection information (for example, Temperature or opening and closing state, etc.). . When the JBOD device is connected to the host, Corresponding actions can be performed according to the instructions issued by the host, for example, the detection information is transmitted back to the host, or the data of the plurality of hard disks is accessed.

In addition, the JBOD device generally has at least one RS-232 port for connecting external terminals. The terminal is generally operated by the administrator to perform technical management of the JBOD device, such as debugging, or to shut down and re-open the hard disk by an instruction when an error occurs on any hard disk. Wait.

More specifically, the hard disk expansion control unit is connected to the RS-232 port via a Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter (UART) interface to receive the control of the terminal transmission through the RS-232 port. instruction. In this way, the administrator can operate the terminal to perform the above management on the JBOD device.

Moreover, the user can also transmit the firmware update file of the hard disk expansion control unit through the terminal device, thereby updating the firmware of the hard disk expansion control unit.

However, whether the JBOD device is connected through the host or the terminal, the user needs to configure at least one cable, and both the host and the terminal need to be disposed around the JBOD device. In other words, the existing JBOD device does not provide the function of remote connection management, which is quite inconvenient. Therefore, the administrator cannot remotely control the JBOD device. When the JBOD device has a problem, the user must request the manager to come to the site to operate the terminal to eliminate the problem.

In addition, the existing terminal generally communicates with the hard disk expansion control unit via a text command interface. Therefore, if the user wants to operate the terminal by himself to manage the JBOD device, a relatively high technical threshold is required.

Furthermore, if the user wants to access the data of the JBOD device through the host and manage the JBOD device through the terminal, it is necessary to configure a plurality of cables at the same time, which also causes considerable Great inconvenience.

The main purpose of the present invention is to provide a JBOD device with a BMC module and a control method thereof, which can be connected to an Ethernet network and receive a control command sent by a client computer at a remote end, so as to support the user to pass the Ethernet at the remote end. The network performs queries, controls, and firmware updates.

In order to achieve the above objective, the JBOD device of the present invention mainly comprises a hard disk expansion control unit, a switching unit and a BMC module. The hard disk expansion control unit is connected to a plurality of hard disks. The switching unit is connected to the hard disk expansion control unit and a port to electrically connect a first transmission channel, or to connect the hard disk expansion control unit and the BMC module to conduct a second transmission channel. The BMC module is connected to an Ethernet network through a network connection. In the initial case, the hard disk expansion control unit receives an instruction of external wired transmission through the first transmission channel. When the BMC module receives an external transmission command through the Ethernet network, the switching unit is controlled to switch to the second transmission channel, so that the BMC module can receive the instruction through the Ethernet network. The hard disk expansion control unit performs interactive operations.

The technical effect achieved by the present invention in connection with the related art is that the BMC module can be connected to the Ethernet network to receive control commands transmitted by the client computer at the remote end via the Ethernet. In this way, the user can operate the client computer, and remotely query the status of the plurality of hard disks connected to the JBOD device, and respectively control the opening and closing of the plurality of hard disks.

In addition, the JBOD device of the present invention can also receive the firmware update file transmitted by the client computer through the Ethernet at the remote end through the Ethernet, and update the firmware of the hard disk expansion control unit accordingly. In this way, the user can perform the firmware update operation of the hard disk expansion control unit directly at the remote end, which is quite convenient.

In addition, the BMC module of the present invention is provided with a standby power supply (Stand-by power), and the BMC module is not completely turned off after the JBOD device is powered off. Therefore, after the user turns off the power of the JBOD device remotely through the client computer, the user can still transmit the control command to the BMC module through the Ethernet at the remote end, thereby performing the JBOD device on the remote end. Boot action.

1‧‧‧hard disk gathering equipment

11‧‧‧ Hard disk expansion control unit

12‧‧‧Base Management Controller Module

120‧‧‧Web interface

13‧‧‧Switch unit

131‧‧‧First contact

132‧‧‧second junction

133‧‧‧ third joint

14‧‧‧First connection埠

15‧‧‧Second connection

16‧‧‧ Third connection埠

17‧‧‧Internet connection埠

2‧‧‧Host

21‧‧‧Host Busbar Riser

3‧‧‧ Terminal

4‧‧‧Customer computer

5‧‧‧ Hard disk

S10~S16‧‧‧Query Steps

S20~S34‧‧‧Control steps

S40~S48‧‧‧Control steps

S50~S58‧‧‧Control steps

S60~S68‧‧‧Control steps

Figure 1 is a schematic view showing the connection of a first embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a block diagram of a hard disk aggregation device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart of device data inquiry according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 is a control flow chart of the first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 is a control flow diagram of a second embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 is a control flow chart of a third embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 7 is a control flow chart of a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a connection diagram of a first embodiment of the present invention. The present invention discloses a Just a Bunch Of Disks (JBOD) device 1 having a Baseboard Management Controller (BMC) module (hereinafter referred to as the JBOD device 1 in the specification), the JBOD The device 1 is used to connect the plurality of hard disks 5 individually. In the present invention, the JBOD device 1 is a JBOD device 1 using a Serial Attached SCSI (SAS), but is not limited.

In this embodiment, the JBOD device 1 can be connected to the host 2 mainly through a cable supporting the SAS format. When a user operates the host 2, the plurality of hard disks 5 connected to the JBOD device 1 can be accessed on the host 2. As a result, the number of hard disks that the host 2 can access is greatly increased.

Moreover, the JBOD device 1 can also be connected to a terminal device 3 via another cable, and the terminal device 3 can issue an instruction to the JBOD device 1 via an operation of a manager (not shown) to query the JBOD device 1 Information such as the ambient temperature inside the chassis, the fan status, the power status, or the status of the plurality of hard disks 5 (eg, inserted, removed, turned on, turned off, faulty, etc.).

Meanwhile, if the terminal device 3 supports the x-modem communication protocol, the manager can also transmit a firmware update file to the JBOD device 1 through the terminal device 3 to update a hard disk expansion control in the JBOD device 1. The firmware used by the unit (the hard disk expansion control unit 11 (expander) shown in Fig. 2).

It is worth mentioning that the JBOD device 1 of the present invention has a BMC module (such as the BMC module 12 shown in FIG. 2). Through the BMC module 12, the JBOD device 1 can be connected to a network, more specifically to an Ethernet network. In the present invention, the JBOD device 1 can connect to a remote client computer 4 via the Ethernet. In this way, the JBOD device 1 can receive the operation of the user at the local end through the host 2, or accept the operation of the manager at the local end through the terminal device 3, and can also be connected through the Ethernet network. The client computer 4 at the end is operated according to an instruction transmitted by another user on the remote network via the Ethernet, which is quite convenient.

It is worth mentioning that when the host 2 is powered on, the user can also connect to the host 2 through the network, so that the JBOD device 1 can be remotely controlled through the host 2. but, When the host 2 sleeps, shuts down, or fails, the user cannot connect and control the JBOD device 1 remotely, so such a remote control mode is not comprehensive enough.

Please refer to FIG. 2, which is a block diagram of a hard disk gathering device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the JBOD device 1 of the present invention mainly has the hard disk expansion control unit 11, the BMC module 12, and a switching unit 13. More specifically, the JBOD device 1 further has a first port 14 , a second port 15 , a plurality of third ports 16 , and a network port 17 .

The hard disk expansion control unit 11 is connected to the plurality of third ports 16 through a plurality of wires, and the plurality of hard disks 5 are connected to each other through the plurality of third ports 16, or the other JBOD devices 1 are connected in series. In this embodiment, the hard disk expansion control unit 11 is configured to detect and collect information about the internal of the JBOD device 1, such as an ambient temperature, a fan state, a power state, or a plug-in state of the plurality of hard disks 5 in the chassis. And the opening and closing state, etc., and generate corresponding equipment data. In this embodiment, the plurality of third ports 16 are respectively a Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) port or a SAS port, and the plurality of hard disks 5 are hard disks supporting a SATA interface or a SAS interface, respectively. But not limited.

The hard disk expansion control unit 11 is simultaneously connected to the second port 15 and connected to the external host 2 via the second port 15. More specifically, the host 2 is mainly provided with a Host Bus Adapter (HBA) 21, and the second port 15 is mainly a SAS port. The administrator can support the SAS format cable. The second port 15 is connected to the host bus bar adapter 21, thereby connecting the host 2 to the JBOD device 1 (i.e., to the hard disk expansion control unit 11).

The host 2 can send an instruction to the JBOD device 1 through the host bus bar adapter card, thereby requesting the IBOD device 1 for the required information, such as the device data described above. In addition, the main The machine 2 can also access the data of the plurality of hard disks 5 according to the program of the host bus bar adapter card 21 respectively. Moreover, if the host 2 can be connected to a network (for example, a regional network), the host 2 can also receive a remote command through the network, and perform corresponding operations on the JBOD device 1 according to the remote command, for example, Requesting the device data, or controlling the opening or closing of the JBOD device 1 or each of the hard disks 5.

The switching unit 13 is connected to the hard disk expansion control unit 11, the BMC module 12, and the first port 14. More specifically, the switching unit 13 can connect the hard disk expansion control unit 11 and the first connection port 14 to conduct a first transmission channel, and can connect the hard disk expansion control unit 11 and the BMC module 12 to A second transmission channel is turned on. In the present invention, the switching unit 13 mainly receives a switching signal, and determines whether the first transmission channel is turned on or the second transmission channel is turned on according to the switching signal. In other words, the first transmission channel and the second transmission channel are not simultaneously turned on, that is, the hard disk expansion control unit 11 does not simultaneously connect the first connection port 14 and the BMC module 12.

More specifically, in the present invention, the switching unit 13 mainly has a first contact 131, a second contact 132, and a third contact 133, wherein the switching unit 13 is connected to the first contact 131. The hard disk expansion control unit 11 is connected to the first connection port 14 through the second contact 132 and connected to the BMC module 12 through the third contact point 133. When the switching unit 13 is to be turned on the first transmission channel, the first contact 131 is connected to the second contact 132; and when the second transmission channel is to be turned on, the first contact is disconnected The connection of the second contact 132 is performed, and the first contact 131 is switched and connected to the third contact 133. However, the above is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but is not limited thereto.

The first port 14 is used to connect the external terminal 3 to accept an instruction from the terminal 3. When the first transmission channel is turned on, the hard disk expansion control unit 11 can receive the instruction sent by the terminal device 3 through the first connection port 14 to perform corresponding operations, and reply relevant information to the terminal device 3.

In this embodiment, the first port 14 can be a phone jack connector or a DB9 connector, which is not limited. The manager can connect the first port 14 and the corresponding connector on the terminal 3 (not shown) through a cable, thereby connecting the terminal 3 to the JBOD device 1 (ie, connecting to the hard Disc expansion control unit 11).

The BMC module 12 is connected to the network port 17 and is connected to the Ethernet through the network port 17. In the present invention, the switching unit 13 is mainly configured to turn on the first transmission channel, and when the BMC module 12 receives a control command transmitted by the remote terminal through the Ethernet network, the switching signal is sent to the The switching unit 13 is configured to control the switching unit 13 to switch on the second transmission channel. In this way, the BMC module 12 can be connected to the hard disk expansion control unit 11 through the second transmission channel, and then perform an interaction operation with the hard disk expansion control unit 11 according to the control command transmitted by the Ethernet network. .

In the present invention, the network port 17 is mainly a local area network (LAN) port, but is not limited.

It is to be noted that, in an embodiment, the BMC module 12 and the network port 17 can be respectively disposed on a motherboard (not shown) of the JBOD device 1 and pass each other through the line on the motherboard. Electrical connection. In another embodiment, the BMC module 12 can be a BMC interface card and is inserted into an interface card slot of the motherboard to be electrically connected to the motherboard. In this embodiment, the network port 17 can be directly disposed on the BMC module 12, but is not limited.

As shown in FIG. 2, in the embodiment, the BMC module 12 is connected to the switching unit 13 through a general-purpose input/output (GPIO) interface, and transmits the switching signal to the GPIO interface. The switching unit 13 controls the switching unit 13 to perform switching between the first transmission channel and the second transmission channel.

More specifically, the BMC module 12 mainly generates the switching signal for turning on the second transmission channel and transmitting the switching signal to the switching unit 13 when receiving the control command sent by the client computer 4 through the Ethernet. Thereby, the switching unit 13 is controlled to switch on the second transmission channel. Moreover, after the execution of the interactive operation is completed, the BMC module 12 generates the switching signal for turning on the first transmission channel and transmits the switching signal to the switching unit 13 to control the switching unit 13 to switch on the first transmission channel.

In the present invention, the switching unit 13 is preset to turn on the first transmission channel, that is, the hard disk expansion control unit 11 is presetly connected to the first connection port 14 and connected to the first connection port. The terminal 3 of 14 is connected. Moreover, the switching unit 13 switches to turn on the second transmission only when the user operates the client computer 4 and the client computer 4 transmits the control command to the BMC module 12 via the Ethernet. aisle. In other words, the hard disk expansion control unit 11 is connected to the BMC module 12 only when the BMC module 12 receives the control command through the Ethernet.

In this embodiment, the hard disk expansion control unit 11 mainly supports a signal in a Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter (UART) format, and transmits the signal in the UART format to the BMC module 12 and the first connection.埠14 (ie, the terminal 3) communicates. In this embodiment, the BMC module 12 receives the control command in the LAN format through the Ethernet, and converts the control command into a control command in the UART format, and then transmits the control command to the hard disk expansion control unit 11 . .

As shown in FIG. 2, the BMC module 12 has a web interface 120. In the present invention, the BMC module 12 can receive the remote connection of the client computer 4 through the web interface 120. Such a The BMC module 12 can receive the control command sent by the client computer 4 at the remote end through the web interface 120.

Specifically, after the BMC module 12 is started, the web interface 120 can be run on the web interface 120, wherein the web interface 120 externally uses a set of IP addresses to which the BMC module 12 is assigned.

When the user wants to connect to the JBOD device 1 remotely, the browser of the client computer 4 can be opened, and the IP address used by the BMC module 12 (ie, the web interface 120 is used). The IP address is used to remotely log in to the web interface 120. In this embodiment, the web interface 120 can display a plurality of options in a graphical manner, wherein each option corresponds to an action executable by the user, for example, querying the status of the JBOD device 1 or the plurality of hard disks 5, and controlling the JBOD. The device 1 or each of the hard disks 5 is turned on or off, the firmware of the hard disk expansion control unit 11 is updated, the remote end is registered to the hard disk expansion control unit 11 or the power supply schedule of the JBOD device 1 is set. When the user selects any option through the web interface 120, the control command corresponding to the selected option will be generated and transmitted to the BMC module 12 via the Ethernet.

For example, when the user selects an option to query the status of the plurality of hard disks 5 on the web interface 120, the corresponding control command is generated and transmitted to the BMC module through the Ethernet. 12. After receiving the control command transmitted by the Ethernet, the BMC module 12 controls the switching unit 13 to switch on the second transmission channel. Then, the BMC module 12 is connected to the hard disk expansion control unit 11 through the second transmission channel, and requests the hard disk expansion control unit 11 to query the status of the plurality of hard disks 5 respectively according to the control instruction.

After receiving the request, the hard disk expansion control unit 11 then queries the status of the plurality of hard disks 5 according to the control command, and replies the corresponding device information to the BMC module 12. Finally, the BMC module 12 can update the web interface 120 according to the device data. In this way, the user can Obtaining the current status of the plurality of hard disks 5 directly on the updated web interface 120, for example, how many hard disks are inserted, which hard disks are inserted but not started, which hard disks are inserted and started, and which are hard. The disc is damaged.

It is to be noted that, in this embodiment, the web interface 120 mainly displays the state of the plurality of hard disks 5 and the JBOD device 1 in a graphical interface, thereby making the remote user more understandable. .

Next, please refer to FIG. 3, which is a flow chart of device data inquiry according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, one or more sensors (not shown) may be disposed on the main board of the JBOD device 1. The hard disk expansion control unit 11 may obtain the JBOD through the sensing actions of the sensors. The state of the device 1 (step S10). Next, the hard disk expansion control unit 11 can determine whether to receive an inquiry request for the status of the JBOD device 1 (step S12), thereby deciding whether or not to respond to the device data.

In this embodiment, the content of the device data is determined according to the content of the query request, and may mainly include an ambient temperature, a fan state, a power state, or an opening and closing state of the plurality of hard disks 5 in the chassis of the JBOD device 1. Etc., not limited.

If the inquiry request is not received, the hard disk expansion control unit 11 further determines whether the JBOD device 1 is powered off (step S14), and continues to obtain the JBOD device 1 through the sensors before the JBOD device 1 is powered off. Status (such as ambient temperature inside the chassis, fan status, power status, or status of the plurality of hard drives 5, etc.). On the other hand, if the inquiry request is received, the corresponding device data is replied according to the content of the inquiry request (step S16).

It is worth mentioning that when the second transmission channel is turned on, the inquiry request is sent by the BMC module 12, so the hard disk expansion control unit 11 replies the device information to the BMC. Module 12. When the first transmission channel is turned on, the inquiry request is sent by the terminal device 3, so the hard disk expansion control unit 11 replies to the device information to the terminal device 3. Moreover, the hard disk expansion control unit 11 may also receive the inquiry request from the second connection port 15, and at this time, the hard disk expansion control unit 11 replies to the device data to the host 2.

Please refer to FIG. 4, which is a control flow chart of the first embodiment of the present invention. The present invention also discloses a control method used by the JBOD device 1 described above, and the control method mainly includes the steps shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 4, during the operation of the JBOD device 1, the BMC module 12 first determines whether the control command is received through the network (step S20), and more specifically, whether to pass the Ethernet. Receiving the control command issued by the client computer 4 through the web interface 120.

If the BMC module 12 does not receive the control command through the Ethernet, the control signal is generated to control the switching unit 13 to switch on the first transmission channel (step S22). It is to be noted that the present invention only enables the switching unit 13 to conduct the second transmission channel when the BMC module 12 receives the control command through the Ethernet network, and remains conductive for the rest of the time. Transmission channel. Therefore, if the switching unit 13 has turned on the first transmission channel, the step S22 does not need to be performed.

If the BMC module 12 does receive the control command transmitted by the Ethernet, the BMC module 12 generates the control signal and transmits the control signal to the switching unit 13 through the GPIO interface to control the switching unit 13 to switch. The second transmission channel is turned on (step S24). Thereby, the BMC module 12 can be connected to the hard disk expansion control unit 11 through the second transmission channel (step S26).

After the step S26, the BMC module 12 can perform the above interaction with the hard disk expansion control unit 11 according to the control command transmitted by the Ethernet (step S28).

In an embodiment, the control command may be a query command, and the interaction may include: 1. The hard disk expansion control unit 11 instructs the state of the JBOD device 1 according to the query; 2. The hard disk expansion control unit 11 The device information is replied to the BMC module 12; and the BMC module 12 updates the web interface 120 according to the device data.

In another embodiment, the control command may be an open/close command, and the interaction may include: 1. The hard disk expansion control unit 11 respectively switches the plurality of hard disks 5 or one of the JBOD devices 1 according to the control command. The opening and closing state; and second, the BMC module 12 updates the web interface 120 according to the opening and closing state.

In another embodiment, the control command may be an update command, and the interaction may include: the BMC module 12 transmitting the update command and the firmware update file transmitted by the client computer 4 to the hard The disk extension control unit 11; and 2. the hard disk expansion control unit 11 updates the firmware used by the firmware update file according to the update command. It is worth mentioning that in the present invention, the BMC module 12 can support the x-modem protocol. In the update operation, the BMC module 12 mainly transmits the firmware update file to the hard disk expansion control unit 11 according to the x-modem protocol, so that the hard disk expansion control unit 11 can perform a firmware update operation.

After the step S28, the BMC module 12 determines whether the interactive operation is completed (step S28), that is, whether the above-mentioned query action, opening/closing action or update action is completed (step S30). If the completion has not been performed, the step S28 is continuously performed. On the other hand, if the interactive operation is completed, the BMC module 12 further determines whether the JBOD device 1 is powered off (step S32). Moreover, the step S22 is performed again when the JBOD device 1 is not powered off to generate the switching signal and control the switching unit 13 to switch on the first transmission channel.

It is worth mentioning that, in addition to the above-mentioned query action, the opening and closing action and the update action, the user can also set a power schedule of the JBOD device 1 through the web interface 120, and the web interface 120 is based on The set power schedule generates the corresponding control command. Thereby, the hard disk expansion control unit 11 can perform the power scheduling according to the control instruction, and turn on, turn off or reset the plurality of hard disks 5 or the JBOD device 1 at a predetermined time.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 5, a control flow chart of a second embodiment of the present invention is shown. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the control command is exemplified by the query instruction. As shown in FIG. 5, the BMC module 12 receives the query command through the Ethernet (step S40), and converts the query command into a second command in the UART format (step S42). Next, the BMC module 12 requests the hard disk expansion control unit 11 to query the status of the JBOD device 1 according to the second instruction (step S44).

After receiving the inquiry request, the hard disk expansion control unit 11 queries the state of the JBOD device 1 according to the second instruction, and replies the obtained device information to the BMC module 12 (step S46). Finally, the BMC module 12 can update the web interface 120 according to the device data (step S48). Therefore, the user can directly obtain the patterned device data on the web interface 120 to know the ambient temperature, the fan state, the power state, or the state of the plurality of hard disks 5 in the chassis of the JBOD device 1 (for example, Which hard disks 5 have been inserted, which hard disks 5 have been removed, which hard disks 5 have failed, which of the plurality of hard disks 5 that have been inserted are turned on, which of the inserted plurality of hard disks 5 are turned off, and the like.

Continuation Please also refer to FIG. 6, which is a control flow chart of a third embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the control command is exemplified by the opening and closing command. As shown in FIG. 6, the BMC module 12 receives the opening and closing command mainly through the Ethernet (step S50), and The opening and closing command is converted into the second command in the UART format (step S52). Next, the BMC module 12 transmits the second command to the hard disk expansion control unit 11 (step S54).

After the step S54, the hard disk expansion control unit 11 can switch the opening and closing state of the plurality of hard disks 5 or switch the opening and closing state of the JBOD device 1 according to the second command (step S56). Finally, the BMC module 12 can update the web interface 120 according to the opened and closed state after the switching. Thereby, the user can know the latest state of the plurality of hard disks 5 or the JBOD device 1 after the switching is started through the web interface 120 at the remote end.

It is worth mentioning that, in the present invention, the BMC module 12 can have a standby-by power. When the JBOD device 1 is turned off, all or part of the BMC module 12 can still be operated. . Therefore, even if the JBOD device 1 is turned off, the BMC module 12 can receive the control command through the Ethernet. Therefore, the present invention can also implement a remote boot function of the JBOD device 1.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 7, a control flow chart of a fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown. In the embodiment of FIG. 7, the control command is exemplified by the update command. As shown in FIG. 7, the BMC module 12 receives the update command through the Ethernet, and simultaneously receives the firmware update file (step S60), and converts the update command into the second UART format. Instruction (step S62). In this embodiment, the BMC module 12 can receive the update command and the firmware update file at the same time, or receive the update command first, and determine that the user wants to update the firmware of the hard disk expansion control unit 11 and then The firmware update file is received and is not limited.

Then, the BMC module 12 transmits the second command and the firmware update file to the hard disk expansion control unit 11 (step S64), whereby the hard disk expansion control unit 11 can follow the second instruction and the The firmware update file updates the firmware used by it (step S66). And after the step S66, the The BMC module 12 can update the web interface 120 according to the updated firmware information (eg, firmware version, firmware function, etc.) (step S68). In this way, the user can know the current information of the hard disk expansion control unit 11 through the web interface 120 at the remote end.

It is to be noted that, in this embodiment, the BMC module 12 can support the x-modem protocol. Therefore, in the step S64, the BMC module 12 mainly transmits the firmware update file to the hard according to the x-modem protocol. The disc expands the control unit 11, but is not limited thereto. In this way, the administrator can update the firmware of the hard disk expansion control unit 11 at the local end through the terminal device 3, and the user can also operate the client computer 4, thereby passing the Ethernet terminal at the remote end. The network updates the firmware of the hard disk expansion control unit 11, which is quite convenient.

The above is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Therefore, equivalent changes to the scope of the present invention are included in the scope of the present invention. Bright.

1‧‧‧hard disk gathering equipment

11‧‧‧ Hard disk expansion control unit

12‧‧‧Base Management Controller Module

120‧‧‧Web interface

13‧‧‧Switch unit

131‧‧‧First contact

132‧‧‧second junction

133‧‧‧ third joint

14‧‧‧First connection埠

15‧‧‧Second connection

16‧‧‧ Third connection埠

17‧‧‧Internet connection埠

2‧‧‧Host

21‧‧‧Host Busbar Riser

3‧‧‧ Terminal

4‧‧‧Customer computer

5‧‧‧ Hard disk

Claims (18)

A JBOD device having a BMC module for connecting a plurality of hard disks, comprising: a hard disk expansion control unit for connecting the plurality of hard disks; a connection port for connecting an external terminal; a network connection; a BMC module connected to the network port and connected to an Ethernet network through the network port; and a switching unit having a first contact, a second contact and a third contact The first contact is connected to the hard disk expansion control unit, the second contact is connected to the connection port, and the third contact is connected to the BMC module, and the switching unit connects the first contact and the first according to a switching signal a second contact to connect a first transmission channel by connecting the hard disk expansion control unit and the connection port, or connecting the first contact and the third contact to connect the hard disk expansion control unit with the The BMC module is configured to conduct a second transmission channel, wherein the switching unit presets the first transmission channel, and the BMC module sends the switching signal when receiving a control command through the Ethernet to control the The switching unit switches to turn on the second transmission a channel, by which an interaction operation is performed with the hard disk expansion control unit according to the control command, and after the execution of the interaction operation is completed, the BMC module sends the switching signal again to control the switching unit to switch to the first transmission channel. . The JBOD device of the BMC module of claim 1, wherein the BMC module is a BMC interface card, and the network port is disposed on the BMC module. The JBOD device with the BMC module according to claim 2, wherein the network connection port is a local area network port, and the JBOD device is connected to an Ethernet network through the network port. The JBOD device with a BMC module according to claim 2, wherein the connection port is a phone jack connector or a DB9 connector, and the hard disk expansion control unit is when the first transmission channel is turned on. The control command transmitted by the terminal is received by the first transmission channel and the port. The JBOD device with a BMC module according to claim 2, wherein the BMC module is further connected to the switching unit through a GPIO interface, and the switching is transmitted through the GPIO interface when receiving the control command through the Ethernet network. Signaling to the switching unit to control the switching unit to switch on the second transmission channel. The JBOD device with a BMC module according to claim 5, wherein the BMC module has a web interface, and the BMC module receives a connection of a remote client computer through the web interface, and receives the user end. The control command transmitted by the computer through the web interface. The JBOD device with a BMC module according to claim 6, wherein the control command is a query command, and the interaction operation is performed by the hard disk expansion control unit to query the status of the JBOD device according to the query instruction, and reply to a device. And the BMC module updates the webpage interface according to the device data, where the device data includes an ambient temperature in a chassis of the JBOD device, a state of a fan, a state of a power source, or the plurality of hard The opening and closing state of the disc. The JBOD device with a BMC module according to claim 6, wherein the control command is an opening and closing command, and the interaction operation is performed by the hard disk expansion control unit respectively switching the plurality of hard disks or the JBOD device according to the control instruction. The opening and closing state of the BMC module updates the webpage interface according to the opening and closing state. The JBOD device with a BMC module according to claim 6, wherein the control command is an update command, and the interaction operation is performed by the BMC module to transmit the update command to the client computer through the Ethernet network. A firmware update file is transmitted to the hard disk expansion control unit, and the hard disk expansion control unit updates a firmware used according to the update instruction and the firmware update file. The JBOD device with a BMC module according to claim 9, wherein the BMC module converts the control command into a Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter (UART) format, and then passes the second transmission. The channel is transmitted to the hard disk expansion control unit, and the BMC module supports the x-modem protocol, and the firmware update file is transmitted to the hard disk expansion control unit according to the x-modem protocol. A control method for a JBOD device having a BMC module, the JBOD device comprising a hard disk expansion control unit for connecting a plurality of hard disks, a connection port, a network connection port for connecting to an Ethernet network, and a connection a BMC module connected to the network, and a switching unit having a first contact, a second contact, and a third contact, wherein the switching unit connects the hard disk expansion through the first contact a control unit, connecting the connection port through the second contact, and connecting the BMC module through the third contact, and the switching unit presets connecting the first contact and the second contact to connect the The hard disk expansion control unit and the connection port are used to conduct a first transmission channel, wherein the control method comprises: a) the BMC module determines whether to receive a control command through the Ethernet; b) the BMC module passes Receiving the control command, the Ethernet network sends a switching signal to control the switching unit to switch and connect the first contact and the third contact to be connected by connecting the hard disk expansion control unit and the BMC module. a second transmission channel; c) the BMC mode Via the second transmission channel and the extension control unit Drive; d) after the step c, the BMC module performs an interaction operation with the hard disk expansion control unit by using the control command; and e) the BMC module sends the switching signal again after the interaction operation is completed to control the switching The unit switch turns on the first transmission channel. The control method of claim 11, wherein the connection port is a telephone socket connector or a DB9 connector, and the JBOD device is connected to an external terminal through the connection port, and when the first transmission channel is turned on, The hard disk expansion control unit receives the control command transmitted by the terminal through the first transmission channel and the connection port. The control method of claim 11, wherein the BMC module further connects the switching unit through a GPIO interface; in the step b, the BMC module transmits the switching signal to the switching unit through the GPIO interface to control the The switching unit switches the second transmission channel. In the step e, the BMC module transmits the switching signal to the switching unit through the GPIO interface to control the switching unit to switch on the first transmission channel. The control method of claim 13, wherein the BMC module has a web interface, and the BMC module receives a connection of a remote client computer through the web interface; in the step a, the BMC module determines Whether to receive the control command sent by the client computer through the web interface. The control method of claim 14, wherein the control instruction is a query instruction, the step d includes the steps of: d11) converting the query instruction to a second instruction in a UART format; d12) requesting the second instruction according to the second instruction The hard disk expansion control unit queries the state of the JBOD device; d13) the hard disk expansion control unit queries the state of the JBOD device according to the second instruction; D14) replying to a device data to the BMC module; and d15) the BMC module updates the webpage interface according to the device data, wherein the device data includes an ambient temperature in a chassis of the JBOD device, a state of a fan, and a The state of the power supply or the opening and closing state of the plurality of hard disks. The control method of claim 14, wherein the control command is a start and close command, the step d includes the steps of: d21) converting the open/close command to a second command in a UART format; and d22) transmitting the second command Up to the hard disk expansion control unit; and d23) the hard disk expansion control unit switches the opening and closing state of the plurality of hard disks or the JBOD device according to the second instruction. The control method of claim 14, wherein the control instruction is an update instruction, the step d comprising the steps of: d31) converting the update instruction to a second instruction in a UART format; d32) the second instruction and the a firmware update file transmitted by the client computer is transmitted to the hard disk expansion control unit; and d33) the hard disk expansion control unit updates a firmware used according to the update command and the firmware update file. The control method of claim 17, wherein the BMC module supports the x-modem protocol, and in the step d32, the firmware update file is transmitted to the hard disk expansion control unit according to the x-modem protocol.